TISDALE’S ENJOYING BUZZ AS EXETER PLAN FOR SHOWPIECE
PAUL Tisdale says Exeter have nothing to lose going into their play-off semi-final against Carlisle.
The Grecians make the long trip to Cumbria for tonight’s first leg in a tie which seemed improbable six months ago when Tisdale’s side were in a relegation scrap.
The unlikely play-off contenders slumped to the bottom of the table after a 3-2 defeat when the sides met at Brunton Park in November. The scoreline was the same in the return match last weekend.
Both games were entertaining and Tisdale is expecting two more.
“I imagine it’s going to be very similar because both sides have strengths and I think we’ll both try to play to our strengths. I really do,” the 44-year-old said.
“I’m not saying we’ll get ten goals over the two legs. You just don’t know and you can’t predict these things.
“You’ve just got to have the wherewithal to adapt and modify your performance during the two legs, react to the situations and have the physical capability to get through the two games and a potential extra-time in the second leg.
“All these things are important to look at, not just the tactical side of things. It’s going to be a long week, but an exciting week.
“Since we started the season and went through the process of recovering it, I think we’ve had the play-offs in mind all the way through.
“We’ve achieved it now, so we’ve got to remember that. We’ve got nothing to lose whatsoever.”
Tisdale’s side are looking for a return to the third tier for the first time since 2012
and the Grecians boss said there was a real buzz around the club.
He said: “We’re really looking forward to it and it’s a great opportunity for everyone. We should see it as an exciting proposition. We’ve got nothing to lose and I think we should play as such.
“We’re not blind to the fact it’s two legs and I think when we get to the close of Sunday evening’s game we know we’re not done, whichever way it is. It’s halftime.
“The second leg will be where it will manifest itself. I think the reaction at the end of the first game, whether you win or whether you lose, will be different to a normal game because you know you’re only halfway there. That’s the difference.
“I believe we’ll do everything we can to be in the best shape. We’ve got to get players playing to their potential and we know and understand the strength of the opposition. It’s our job to try and stop that and create our own strength.”